Drake Bell Reveals Childhood Trauma in Podcast Reunion with Josh Peck

LOS ANGELES, CA — Former child stars Drake Bell and Josh Peck reunited for the first time in nearly two decades on Peck’s podcast, discussing their experiences during the filming of Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh” and the allegations of abuse that have since surfaced.

In an episode released Monday, the actors reflected on the impacts of a 2024 docuseries titled “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which highlighted troubling allegations from child actors regarding inappropriate behavior and toxic workplace environments at Nickelodeon. The docuseries revealed Bell’s history of alleged abuse by Brian Peck, a dialogue coach who was convicted in 2004.

During their conversation, Bell expressed his fears about the implications the investigation could have on their show. “Dude, I was losing my hair. Like, I had these giant scabs on my head,” he said, recalling the immense stress he felt while working under such circumstances. “When this drops, is Josh going to look at me and be like, ‘Bro, you took our dream away?’”

Bell highlighted the contradictory emotions he faced returning to set amidst the investigation. “Where I felt most comfortable, where I was the happiest, was when I was on set with you guys,” he shared. “And the worst part was, every day I got there, the monster was there.”

Josh Peck recounted noticing Brian Peck’s sudden absence from the set but admitted he didn’t understand the full extent of the situation until watching the documentary. “In watching the documentary at 38, as a father, so much was revealed to me of what you had to go through,” he said. “I can’t even imagine that.”

Brian Peck was arrested in 2003 and later pleaded no contest to charges of performing lewd acts and oral copulation with a minor. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Bell confirmed that Brian was still present at the production during the investigation, increasing his anxiety. “He came and visited during the pilot, and… that was an issue,” Bell stated.

In a statement regarding the docuseries, a spokesperson for Nickelodeon said, “Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon, as a matter of policy, investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace.”

The conversation continued with Bell expressing his struggles with the ongoing trauma, stating, “It’s only in watching the doc that I can realize that just him being put to justice… what about the trauma you endured? It’s so much deeper.” Peck echoed the sentiment, questioning how so many bystanders appeared unaware of the unacceptable behavior occurring on set.

Part two of the podcast series is expected to air later this week, coinciding with the release of Bell’s latest album, “Non Stop Flight,” featuring 35 tracks. The episode serves not only as a reunion but as a platform for Bell to share his experiences publicly for the first time.